Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WE ARE STILL HUMAN
Sufferer says disease can strike anyone Friends abandoned Glenn after diagnosis
A MAN with dementia has told how friends have turned away from him as they didn’t know what to say.
Glenn Mccabe was diagnosed with vascular dementia last April taking away his ability to drive and work. The dad of three said he found it difficult to adjust to life having run his own business as a dental technician for 30 years. Glenn, 55, from Bangor, Co Down, added: “Dementia is probably seen as an older persons’ disease. “When someone pictures a sufferer, they often think of older people in nursing homes but it can happen to anybody. I have found it disheartening when people I have known for years turn away when they see me as they aren’t sure how to talk to me with my condition.” Through Dementia NI, Glenn, who is also a grandad, is trying to challenge that negativity in the hope that others will be more accepting and tolerant of the symptoms and helpful towards people living with the condition. He said: “My occupational therapist pointed me in the direction of Dementia NI and it has been the best thing to happen to me since my diagnosis. We believe we have the right to live our lives to the fullest potential with support and without facing stigma and discrimination on a daily basis. “The people I have met have been friendly, supportive and very helpful, especially in dealing with the benefit system which I was overwhelmed with at first. “It was comforting to know that I am not alone in this journey. I want to challenge the assumptions of dementia, by informing you today that we are still human. “Please remember – dementia is not contagious, you can’t catch it
We believe we have the right to live our lives to the fullest potential without discrimination GLENN MCCABE BANGOR, CO DOWN, YESTERDAY
from me. I have always respected other people and expect that people show me the same respect. But I do understand that sometimes people just don’t know what to say. “I sometimes fear the future but I am learning to take each day at a time, and with the support of a great family and Dementia NI I am managing. “We as a family try to remain positive and often try to have a laugh about my condition when we can. “My wife has nicknamed me ‘The Wanderer’ as I tend to wander around the house, forgetting why I came into rooms. Our light-hearted attitude makes it easier for me to come to terms with my illness.” Dementia NI has an established group in Holywood, Co Down, specifically for people living with dementia and is now reaching out others to support people with the diagnosis within the local community. Spokeswoman Tara Collins highlights the benefits of the gr o u p and its collaboration with Radius Housing. She said: “Our members recognise the benefits of becoming involved in a Dementia NI group. “They support each other through friendship and understanding and gain satisfaction from knowing that they are making positive changes for people living with dementia in Northern Ireland. “We encourage individuals with a diagnosis of dementia who reside within the South East Trust catchment area, to get in contact for information on how to join their local group.” Radius Housing spokesto woman Fiona Mcanespie said: “We are delighted to be supporting this excellent project. “We are aware of a large number of local people dealing with the condition and are always keen to help and support in any way we can.” If you are interested in learning more about the condition and joining the drive to make the Holywood community Dementia Friendly, come along to the Official launch and Information Open Day on Thursday from 1pm to 6pm in Holywood Non-subscribing Church Hall. For more information on groups within your area please contact Dementia NI by calling 028 9068 6768 or email info@dementiani.org.